The best cycling routes around Columbus

Columbus offers generally flat terrain with gentle elevation changes, making it accessible for various skill levels. Routes often parallel scenic waterways like the Olentangy, Alum Creek, and Scioto Rivers, and traverse numerous Metro Parks. You'll find a mix of wooded areas, open fields, urban scenery, and even some paths through farmlands and quiet rural roads.

Yes, many trails in Columbus are suitable for families. The extensive network of multi-use trails, such as the paved sections of the Olentangy Trail and the Scioto Greenway Trail, offer smooth surfaces and relatively flat profiles, perfect for cyclists of all ages. Metro Parks like Blacklick Woods and Three Creeks also provide accessible paths within natural settings.

Many multi-use trails and Metro Parks in Columbus are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before you go, but generally, trails like the Olentangy Trail and paths within Metro Parks welcome leashed dogs. Ensure you bring water for your pet and clean up after them.

Yes, you can create several circular routes by linking different trails. A notable option is the Columbus Loop, which connects sections of the Olentangy Trail and the Alum Creek Trail, offering a scenic, traffic-free 30-mile circuit through parks, fields, and woods. Many Metro Parks also feature internal loop trails suitable for touring.

Columbus's touring cycling routes offer diverse sights. Along the Olentangy Trail, you'll pass through parks like Antrim Park and reach The Ohio State University campus. The Scioto Greenway Trail runs through downtown Columbus alongside the Scioto River and Scioto Audubon Metro Park. For unique natural features, Quarry Trails Metro Park, transformed from an abandoned quarry, boasts impressive cliffs, deep blue lakes, and a 25-foot waterfall.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for touring cycling in Columbus due to pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. While some trails are maintained in winter, conditions can vary with snow and ice, so check local reports before heading out.

Numerous trailheads and Metro Parks offer dedicated parking areas. For example, the Olentangy Trail has various access points with parking along its length, including near Antrim Park and throughout the university district. Metro Parks like Blacklick Woods, Three Creeks, and Hoover Reservoir Park also provide ample parking for trail access.

Yes, Columbus's public transportation system, COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority), offers bike racks on its buses, making it possible to access various trailheads. Many routes, especially those closer to the city center like the Scioto Greenway Trail and parts of the Olentangy Trail, are well-served by bus routes, allowing for convenient access without a car.

Generally, no special permits are required for touring cycling on the multi-use trails and within most Metro Parks in Columbus. These trails are publicly accessible. However, it's always a good practice to check the specific rules and regulations for any particular park or trail you plan to visit, especially for events or organized rides.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of multi-use trails, the scenic riverfront paths, and the seamless connections to numerous Metro Parks, which offer a varied and engaging cycling experience for all skill levels.

While Columbus is known for its generally flat terrain, more experienced cyclists can find longer, more challenging distances by linking multiple greenways, such as combining the Alum Creek Trail with other sections of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail. For a route with significant elevation changes, consider the Jordan Company Lake loop from Jordan Company Dam, which is rated as difficult with over 220 meters of elevation gain.

Many trails, particularly those closer to urban areas like the Olentangy Trail and Scioto Greenway Trail, have cafes, restaurants, and other amenities easily accessible nearby. Downtown Columbus and areas around The Ohio State University offer numerous options. For routes traversing Metro Parks, it's advisable to pack your own refreshments, though some parks may have visitor centers with facilities.